An 18-year-old man is in stable condition after being shot multiple times early Sunday outside a home east of Bridgeville, according to police.

The Bridgeville teen and another man told police they were smoking cigarettes outside the home in the 12000 block of Ryan Lane in the Peaceful Acres neighborhood about 1:30 a.m. when they were approached by a pair of masked men who shot the young man multiple times in the lower torso before running off in an unknown direction.

The teen and his friend then ran back into the home and called 911, Delaware State Police spokesman Master Cpl. Gary Fournier said.

The teen was flown to Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury where he underwent surgery, Fournier said.

Detectives believe the incident was not a random act and the victim may have been targeted, he said.

Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating the masked gunmen.

Both men were last seen wearing all black and wearing masks over their faces.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Delaware State Police at (302) 856-5850, ext. 208.

Anonymous information also can be provided online at www.tipsubmit.com or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and starting your message with the keyword “DSP.”